Stackable bricks and their procedures for stacking

ABSTRACT

A rectangular stackable brick is provided having substantially parallel opposing top and bottom surfaces, substantially parallel opposing side surfaces and substantially parallel opposing end surfaces. The length of the brick is approximately twice the width of the brick so that the top and bottom surfaces each define first and second square regions. The top surface includes a first column which projects upwardly from the center of a first square region and a second column which projects upwardly from the center of a second square region. The bottom wall of the brick includes a recess sized and configured for receiving the first and second columns. The recess extends from an end wall along the center of the length of the brick sufficiently far so that the brick can be stacked upon other bricks of like construction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to bricks for structural objects such as botanical gardens, outside furnaces, stairs and walls, etc.

[0002] Bricks are typically rectangular with the six flat sides. By stacking numerous amounts of bricks, one can construct many structures. Stacking procedures include English stacking, French stacking, Holland stacking, German stacking, Horizontal stacking and many other stacking procedures may be used. In any stacking procedure, the bricks are stacked up/down, left/right or front to back with mortar between the adjacent bricks.

[0003] However, as mentioned earlier, since the stacking procedures of up/down, left/right or front/back requires accuracy with a sufficient amount of mortar to intervene between the adjacent bricks, some skill is required of the workers. As a result of the recent years' gardening boom, more and more persons attempt to DIY (Do It Yourself) when constructing garden pergolas or outside furnaces for barbeques. Lack of skill makes these construction projects extremely difficult and time consuming.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to construct structural objects such as barbeques, the lining of the botanical garden and various types of walls. The invention does not require any skills for the workers to stack the bricks up/down, left/right or front/back as the stacking is simple and accurate. Moreover, highly unrestricted level of stacking can offered by the stackable bricks corresponding to the intended objects being constructed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention addresses the aforementioned disadvantages by providing a brick having top and bottom surfaces, first and second end surfaces, and first and second side surfaces. It is an object for this invention to utilize this brick to construct various structural objects along with the procedures for stacking. With reference to the top and bottom surfaces, the ratio of the width is approximately half ({fraction (1/2)}) the length which forms a rectangular stackable brick. Since the length of the brick is twice its width, the top and bottom surfaces each include two equal sized square regions. On the brick's top surface, there are two (2) columns or cylindrical shaped built-in convex portions that are located in the center of each the two (2) equally divided squares. In addition, the brick includes a built-in concave portion, or recess, formed on the bottom surface of the brick. The recess extends along the length of the bottom surface of the brick from one of the end surfaces toward the opposing end surface. The recess extends sufficiently far so that the recess will receive the two columns of a like brick when stacked vertically.

[0006] This present invention also includes the procedure to assemble the stackable bricks to form a structural object. The procedure includes aligning multiple amounts of the build-in convex surfaces in a line. The bottom surface with the build-in concave surface should be placed approximately half-way from the center to overlap with each other. The built-in convex portion and the bottom built-in concave portion will fit accordingly as it defines the characteristics of a stackable brick procedure.

[0007] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description which follows with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first brick concerning to this invention;

[0009]FIG. 2 is a left side view of the same first brick;

[0010]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the second brick concerning to this invention;

[0011]FIG. 4 is a left side view of the same second brick;

[0012]FIG. 5 is a perspective view for the third brick concerning to this invention;

[0013]FIG. 6 is the left side view of the same third brick;

[0014]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fourth brick concerning to this invention;

[0015]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fifth brick concerning to this invention;

[0016]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sixth brick concerning to this invention;

[0017]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first stacking procedure;

[0018]FIG. 11 is a flat ground plan of the second stacking procedure where the top brick 1B with the built-in convex 2A, 2B is abbreviated;

[0019]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the third stacking procedure for this invention;

[0020]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fourth stacking procedure for this invention;

[0021]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the constructed wall using the first stackable procedure concerning to this invention; and,

[0022]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the outside furnace constructed with the same first stackable procedure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0024] The following will be an illustrated operation form and the explanation of the operational examples. As FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate, the first stackable brick 1 is a rectangular figure. In comparing the top and bottom side 1 a, 1 b of the longer side, the ratio of the width is approximately {fraction (1/2)} the length. Preferably, the longer side length L1 is 210 mm and the width length L2 is 105 mm. The thickness for T of brick 1 is 65 mm.

[0025] On the top surface 1 a of brick 1, there are (two) 2 approximate cylindrical shaped built-in convex portions 2A, 2B that are formed in the center of the 2 equally divided squares. On the built-in convex portion 2A, 2B, the diameter of the base edge d 1 is preferably approximately 51 mm. Meanwhile, preferably the diameter of the top edge portion d 2 is approximately 46 mm and the height of the convex portion 2A, 2B(H) is approximately 9 mm.

[0026] The bottom side 1 b of brick 1 has a built-in concave portion 3 extending from the left edge to the right edge portion which corresponds directly with the opposite side where the built-in convex portion 2A, 2B are positioned. The width of the opening W 1 is approximately 53 mm, base portion width W 2 is approximately 48 mm and the depth D is approximately 11 mm on the built-in concave portion 3. The built-in concave portion 3 with the built-in the convex portion 2A, 2B Set, the semi-circular wall edge 3 a and the adjacent outer surface side 2 b of the built-in convex portion 2B is proportionally lengthed to correspond with the built-in concave 3. In detail, the length from the base edge 3 to the top edge wall portion 3 a, L3 is approximately 188 mm. On the right side of the built-in convex portion 2B and the outer surface side 2 b, there is an approximate 4 mm gap in between. Hence, there may be an instance where brick 1 is used with the length approximately 1:1 times bigger.

[0027] As FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate, the second stackable brick 4 is the first stackable brick 1 where the built-in concave portion 2A, 2B are not formed on top side 1 a, namely, the top side 1 a is a flat surface where the other portions are exactly the same as the first stackable brick 1. Since the mark is the same as the first stackable brick, the explanation will be omitted.

[0028] As FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate, the third stackable brick 5 is the first stackable brick 1 where the built-in concave portion 3 is not formed on the bottom side 1 b. Namely, the bottom side 1 b is a flat surface where the other portions are exactly the same as the first stackable brick 1. Since the mark is the same as the first stackable brick, the explanation will be omitted.

[0029] As FIG. 7 illustrates, the fourth stackable brick 6 is the right half portion of the longer side equivalent to the first stackable brick 1 divided in half. In detail, the built-in convex portion 2B is placed in a central position of the top surface 1 a of the brick 6. On the bottom side 1 b from the left edge to the right portion, the built-in concave portion 23 is established.

[0030] As FIG. 8 illustrates, the fifth stackable brick 7 is the right half portion of the longer side of the second stackable brick 4 divided in half. In detail, the top side 1 a is a flat surface of brick 7, the bottom surface 1 b from the left edge to the right edge portion, the built-in concave portion 33 is established.

[0031] As FIG. 9 illustrates, the sixth stackable brick 8 is one portion of the longer side of the 3^(rd) stackable brick 5 divided in half. In detail, the built-in convex portion 2B is placed in a central position of the top side 1 a of brick 8. The bottom side 1 b is determined to be a flat surface.

[0032]FIG. 10 illustrates a first stacking procedure by utilizing the brick 1 and aligning multiple amounts of brick 1A in a horizontal direction. Brick 1B is placed on the top for stacking above adjacent brick 1A. The bricks should be placed where the top brick 1B will overlap with the bottom brick 1A from the center half of the long side of 1B. Hence, the built-in convex portions 2A and 2B of brick 1A will fit into the concave portion 3 of top brick 1B.

[0033] Yet, with the stacking procedure mentioned earlier, the brick 1A which is positioned as the very bottom layer may be exchanged with the third brick 5 which has the bottom side 1 b as a flat surface will be more stable when stationed to the ground in comparison to the first brick 1 with the bottom surface 1 b having a built-in concave portion 3.

[0034]FIG. 11 illustrates a second stacking procedure using the brick 1 where multiple amounts of brick 1A are placed horizontally in an arc position. Brick 1B is placed on the top of brick 1A for stacking, along with the brick 2A above brick 1A. Brick 2B will engage the top of brick 1B with the bottom surface 1 b having the built-in concave portion 3 receiving a concave portion of the next lower brick. The multiple amounts of brick 1A should be covered by the multiple amounts of top brick 1B in an arc position. Consequently, for instance, this stacking procedure for stacking many layers of bricks may be used to construct the lining of the botanical garden, assuming that the lining will be stacked in a parallel with the bottom brick 1A, but, to be placed in a horizontal direction with a slightly different angle.

[0035] When the top brick 1B along with the bottom brick 1A is placed in a horizontal direction with a slightly different angle, the bottom brick 1A with the top surface 1 a having the built-in convex portions 2A, 2B placed directly adjacent to the half circular top edge wall portion 3 a of the built-in concave portion 3 on top brick 1B. Since the top brick 1B may be moved to the fixed angle, the stacking of the bricks is simple, yet accurately performed. Moreover, by this stacking procedure, the third bricks may be replaced with the first brick 1 placed on the very bottom layer in order to achieve a higher level of stability on the very bottom layer brick when placed on the ground level.

[0036]FIG. 12 illustrates the third stacking procedure in using the brick 1 in aligning multiple amounts of brick 1A in the width direction. Brick 1B is placed on the top for stacking along with the bottom 1A and positioned in a direct cross where the bottom brick 1B will overlap with the bottom brick 1A from the center of 1B. Hence, both adjacent bottom brick 1A with its top surface 1 a along with one of the built-in convex portion 2A will fit into the top brick 1B with the bottom surface 1 b having the built-in concave portion 3.

[0037] Again, as for this stacking procedure, the third brick 5 may be replaced with the first brick 1A placed on the very bottom layer in order to achieve a higher level of stability on the bottom when placed on the ground.

[0038]FIG. 13 illustrates the fourth stacking procedure using the first brick 1, placing a different first brick 1B directly on the top of the first brick 1A, the bottom brick 1A with the top surface 1 a having two built-in convex portion 2A, 2B will fit with the top brick 1B with the bottom surface 1 b having the built-in concave portion 3. Again, as for this stacking procedure, the third brick 5 may be replaced with the first brick 1A positioned on the very bottom layer.

[0039]FIG. 14 illustrates wall 9 constructed by using the first stacking procedure. In detail, the first layer from the ground is placed in a horizontal direction using the first brick 1. After placing the fourth stackable brick 6, stack the second layer with the first brick 1. Next, use the same stacking procedure as the first layer for the third layer and the same stacking procedure as the second layer for the fourth layer. Then, for the last layer, place the fifth stackable brick 7 on each end and in between both brick 7, align the second stackable brick 4 in a horizontal direction. From this, wall 9 will be constructed. The first layer using the first brick 1 may be replaced with the third stackable brick 5 which the bottom side 1 b a flat surface. The fourth stackable brick 6 may be replaced with the first layer brick is placed more stable on the ground level.

[0040] On the all brick stacking procedure mentioned above, the structural object does not need mortar to be placed in between the adjacent bricks for construction. However, mortar may be used if necessary to make sturdier structural objects.

[0041]FIG. 15 illustrates a barbeque or outside furnace 11 constructed basically by using the first to sixth brick 1, 4-7 with the first stacking procedure described above. The outside furnace 11 has mortar between adjacent bricks.

[0042] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, workers killed in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

Having identified the presently preferred best modes of practicing the invention, I claim:
 1. A rectangular stackable brick for constructing structural objects, the brick comprising: a unitary object having six sides defining substantially parallel opposing top and bottom surfaces, substantially parallel opposing side surfaces and substantially parallel opposing end surfaces; the distance between said opposing end surfaces defining the length of said brick, the distance between said top and bottom surfaces defining the height of said brick and the distance between said side surfaces defining the width of said brick; said length of said brick being approximately twice the width of said brick so that the top and bottom surfaces each include first and second square regions; said top surface including a first column which projects upwardly from the center of a first square region and a second column which projects upwardly from the center of a second square region; said bottom surface including a recess sized and configured for receiving said first and second columns; said recess extending from an end surface along the length of said brick sufficiently far so that said brick can be stacked upon other bricks of like construction.
 2. The rectangular stackable brick of claim 1 wherein said recess extends from an end surface and terminates at an edge wall.
 3. The rectangular stackable brick of claim 1 wherein said edge was is semi-circular in shape.
 4. A structure constructed of a plurality of rectangular stackable bricks, each of said bricks comprising: a unitary object having six sides defining substantially parallel opposing top and bottom surfaces, substantially parallel opposing side surfaces and substantially parallel opposing end surfaces; the distance between said opposing end surfaces defining the length of said brick, the distance between said top and bottom surfaces defining the height of said brick and the distance between said side surfaces defining the width of said brick; said length of said brick being approximately twice the width of said brick so that the top and bottom surfaces each include first and second square regions; said top surface including a first column which projects upwardly from the center of a first square region and a second column which projects upwardly from the center of a second square region; said bottom surface including a recess sized and configured for receiving said first and second columns; said recess extending from an end surface along the length of said brick sufficiently far so that said brick can be stacked upon other bricks of like construction. 